Now the end is near, and Sven will face his final curtain with a spotlighted backdrop of the World Cup.

We know why he's going - the culmination of years of indiscretions including an uncanny knack of spilling beans in the wrong people's laps has a tendency to make life complicated.

But now he's off after another savaging from the big bad media wolves who have huffed and puffed at his house. Only after the tiny matter of the World Cup.

Does anyone else see this timing as odd?

Exactly what motivation does Eriksson have to lead the England team to World Cup glory? Maybe a win bonus. Maybe the pride of finishing what he started. Maybe the chance to put things right and leave with a warm pat on the back rather than a good-riddance shove.

But maybe he doesn't really care that much. Maybe the players are feeling a wee bit miffed about this bloke boasting about them behind their backs and aren't that fussed about sending him off on a high.

The FA are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Send him off now and get in a fresh head before the action kicks off in Germany or keep him with everything crossed that everyone will play ball.

The problem is who do they get in to babysit while Sven swans off on gardening leave to watch the World Cup from the box seats.

Do they go for a caretaker boss? In which case Steve McClaren is probably the man to step in.

Or do they go all-out for a permanent replacement, maybe using the tournament as a yardstick.

FA: "Right here's the deal. You get to control the team that you always play with on Championship Manager (go on, admit it) during the world's best competition..."

Awkward silence.

FA (takes deep breath): "There's just one thing though... lose the cup and you're out."

Bolton boss and part-time Matthew Kelly lookalike Sam Allardyce is currently leading the book on who will get the job. Perhaps he could use his looks for a unique psychology involving the likes of 'tonight Sam, I'm going to be Roberto Carlos/ Zinedine Zidane/ Pele/ Thierry Henry'.

Paul Jewell is in with a shout after coaching his Wigan Athletic into Champions League contention from the bowels of the Football League.

Jose Mourinho has the charm and the looks, would keep the media wolves happy 24/7 and has more talent in his little finger than the entire Celebrity Big Brother house.

Felipe Scolari has major tournament form, Sir Clive Woodward has major power desire.

If the FA really want a quiet British up-and-coming coach then it has to be Chris Coleman...but only after the World Cup.

Updated: 10:29 Saturday, January 28, 2006